PNP modernization program gets P1.75B, says DBM

The Philippine National Police (PNP) got P1.75 billion for its modernization program, but the disbursements will be done with caution and prudence, the Department of Budget and Management said Monday. After anomalies were supposedly discovered regarding the purchase of helicopters by the PNP during the previous administration, government will now exercise caution in releasing funds to the PNP, said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. The money will support efforts of the Aquino administration to improve the peace and order situation in the country, Abad said, noting the P1.75 billion was charged against the PNP’s P2-billion Capability Enhancement Program budget. “The fund would be used to purchase equipment for our policemen, including the procurement of around 11,000 units of brand new guns to fill up firearms insufficiency in the Philippine National Police, 750 units of digital mobile and handheld radio to provide a faster means of communication, as well as police vehicle units," Abad said. Part of the money will be used to buy “necessary tools" for intelligence and investigation operations with a view to making stronger PNP’s capabilities in managing civil disturbance and improving its information and communications technology and data management, according to the Budget secretary. With these improvements, the public can expect the PNP to respond better to crises, he added. — VS, GMA News